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Plenty of actors have lent their voices to prime time animated series like The Simpsons or movies like The Croods and Toy Story. But it’s hard to imagine Saturday Morning Cartoons with huge stars. A lot of people are shocked to find out that the original voice of Shredder on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star James Avery, or to recall which Star Wars veteran was behind The Joker. Perhaps you weren't aware of the big names behind some of these childhood favorites...
Captain Planet and the Planeteers
A group of teenagers use magic rings to harness the elements and to summon Captain Planet, an environmental superhero. Each episode, they battle villains trying to pollute the environment. Whoopi Goldberg voices Gaia, the spirit of the Earth and their boss. What a lot of children at the time didn’t realize is the show’s villains are all played by major celebrities. Meg Ryan is Dr. Blight, a disfigured doctor who works with a sarcastic British computer. Jeff Goldblum plays Verminous Skumm, a mutated rat creature with a fondness for toxic waste. Sting even appears on the show as the creatively named Zarm. Other villains are played by Hollywood veterans Martin Sheen, James Coburn, Malcolm McDowell, and Ed Asner. Major celebs also stop by for guest appearances including Danny Glover, Louis Gossett Jr., and even Elizabeth Taylor.
Gargoyles
This Disney cartoon creates a mythology where stone gargoyles come to life when the sun sets. It also has a bizarre Star Trek connection. Star Trek: The Next Generation cast members Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis play series villains David Xanatos and Demona. There are also performance by other The Next Generation stars Michael Dorn, Brett Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Colm Meany. The captains of Deep Space Nine, Avery Brooks, and Voyager, Kate Mulgrew, appear on the cartoon. Nichelle Nichols even makes an appearance.
Batman: The Animated Series
Batman is probably the most star-studded cartoon in television history. The series features appearances by stars from the 1970s to today. 1970s icons like Adrienne Barbeau, Michael York, and Marilu Henner pop by the series. Bewitched actress Elizabeth McGovern plays her last role ever on the cartoon. Mark Hamill, a.k.a. Luke Skywalker, finds a career resurgence playing The Joker. Night Court’s Richard Moll, The Beastmaster Marc Singer, and Melissa Gilbert all bring 1980s nostalgia playing major characters. Bruce Wayne’s various love interests include Heather Locklear, comedian Julie Brown, and Supergirl Helen Slater. There are also appearances by future celebrities like Mad Men star Elisabeth Moss and Megan Mullally.
Superman
Similarly, this Man of Steel cartoon has a ton of television actors lending their voices. Superman is voiced by Wings star Tim Daly and Lois Lane is Desperate Housewives star Dana Delany. Sitcom stars Peri Gilpin, Brad Garett, and Joely Fisher all appear on the show.
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A rule of thumb for all Boardwalk Empire characters: don’t make plans. Anytime someone announces the pursuit of any sort of aspiration, he’s bound to wind up six feet under by the end of the very same episode. Meeting this fate on the latest episode of the series is Owen Slater — a character so debonair and likable, albeit shifty and amoral, that it’s almost a miracle he’s lasted this long on the show. When we last left Owen, he and the enamored Margaret were vowing to flee away together, escaping the life that Nucky has built for them. Right up until he shows up in the Thompsons’ doorway, dead inside a box (courtesy of Joe Masseria), Owen was asserting himself dedicated to that very plan… although who can tell if this guy is ever actually speaking the truth?
Let’s backtrack. Nucky rallies his inner circle (Owen, Eli, and Mickey) to pull the trigger on the antagonistic Masseria, rally the help of Johnny Torrio, and set up shop in Pennsylvania to start work on their own distillery, respectively. We don’t see how Eli’s and Mickey’s missions play out, but we do see what the cruel fates have in store for Owen. Masseria is tipped off to his approach by an especially traitorous pair of entrepreneurs: Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky, who, in hopes of striking a deal with Masseria to fund a heroin operation, give up info about their “pal” Nucky’s plans to do away with the Mafia boss.
So, Masseria beats Owen to the punch… and all this after Nucky’s right-hand man has just learned that he’s going to be a father: Margaret is pregnant with his child. And given her mass hysterics upon glance of Owen’s dead body, Nucky is likely onto the fact that there was something going on between the two… although, really, did he think their marriage was going just fine before this?
Business as usual for Bobby Cannavale’s mad hatter. Something goes wrong in his operation (a dozen or two bottles go overboard and wash up on the Atlantic City shores during delivery), someone speaks out of turn when trying to be helpful, and he goes into a blinding, homicidal rage. It’s not shocking anymore, Boardwalk. Watching Rosetti is just like living next door to a crying baby — always the same nonsensical routine, and we just want to tell him to shut up and get over it already.
But on the opposite side of the spectrum is Richard, who, although living in a proverbial soap opera at this point, is always invigorating. Richard’s girlfriend Julie encourages him subtly to take the rearing of young Tommy into his own hands, and then invites him back to her place… where her belligerent father insults them both, earning Richard’s violent (but controlled) wrath. If and when Richard is going to institute a move of his own, with Julie and Tommy along for the ride, is uncertain. But hopefully any plans our favorite World War I veteran makes won’t leave him in a box on somebody’s doorstep. We’d miss you most of all, Richard.
Speaking of plans gone awry, hardly any time at all has passed since Van Alden has gotten himself into the bootlegging business before trouble heads his way. Thinking he’s made a faithful customer in a Norwegian barkeep, Van Alden is ratted out to the Johnny Torrio union and manhandled all the way to a meeting with an unhappy Al Capone, who, this season, is quickly rising to the prominence that history has pinned to his lapel.
And finally, poor Jess Smith. Innocent, good-natured, potentially brain damaged Jess Smith, who takes himself out of the picture after finding out that Harry Daugherty, his own childhood friend and closest confidant, was willing to have him killed as not to prompt any more trouble professionally. Little does he know, Daughtery is next… at least as far as Nucky’s schematics would read.
It seems like everyone close to Mr. Thompson finds him or herself on the wrong side of this war. This season alone, Nucky has lost his business associate (Manny Horvitz), his girlfriend (Billie), and now his right-hand man. Who could be next — Eli? Margaret? Please not Eddie.
[Photo Credit: HBO]
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Widening the thematic scope without sacrificing too much of the claustrophobia that made the original 1979 Alien universally spooky Prometheus takes the trophy for this summer's most adult-oriented blockbuster entertainment. The movie will leave your mouth agape for its entire runtime first with its majestic exploration of an alien planet and conjectures on the origins of the human race second with its gross-out body horror that leaves no spilled gut to the imagination. Thin characters feel more like pawns in Scott's sci-fi prequel but stunning visuals shocking turns and grand questions more than make up for the shallow ensemble. "Epic" comes in many forms. Prometheus sports all of them.
Based on their discovery of a series of cave drawings all sharing a similar painted design Elizabeth (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie (Logan Marshall-Green) are recruited by Weyland to head a mission to another planet one they believe holds the answers to the creation of life on Earth. Along for the journey are Vickers (Charlize Theron) the ruthless Weyland proxy Janek (Idris Elba) a blue collar captain a slew of faceless scientists and David (Michael Fassbender) HAL 9000-esque resident android who awakens the crew of spaceship Prometheus when they arrive to their destination. Immediately upon descent there's a discovery: a giant mound that's anything but natural. The crew immediately prepares to scope out the scene zipping up high-tech spacesuits jumping in futuristic humvees and heading out to the site. What they discover are the awe-inspiring creations of another race. What they bring back to the ship is what they realize may kill their own.
The first half of Prometheus could be easily mistaken for Steven Spielberg's Alien a sense of wonder glowing from every frame not too unlike Close Encounters. Scott takes full advantage of his fictional settings and imbues them with a reality that makes them even more tantalizing. He shoots the vistas of space and the alien planet like National Geographic porn and savors the interior moments on board the Prometheus full of hologram maps sleeping pods and do-it-yourself surgery modules with the same attention. Prometheus is beautiful shot in immersive 3D that never dampers Dariusz Wolski's sharp photography. Scott's direction seems less interested in the run-or-die scenario set up in the latter half of the film but the film maintains tension and mood from beginning to end. It all just gets a bit…bloodier.
Jon Spaihts' and Damon Lindelof's script doesn't do the performers any favors shuffling them to and fro between the ship and the alien construction without much room for development. Reveals are shoehorned in without much setup (one involving Theron's Vickers that's shockingly mishandled) but for the most part the ensemble is ready to chomp into the script's bigger picture conceits. Rapace is a physical performer capable of pulling off a grisly scene involving an alien some sharp objects and a painful procedure (sure to be the scene of the blockbuster season. Among the rest of the crew Fassbender's David stands out as the film's revelatory performance delivering a digestible ambiguity to his mechanical man that playfully toys with expectations from his first entrance. The creature effects in Prometheus will wow you but even Fassbender's smallest gesture can send the mind spinning. The power of his smile packs more of a punch than any facehugger.
Much like Lindelof's Lost Prometheus aims to explore the idea of asking questions and seeking answers and on Scott's scale it's a tremendous unexpected ride. A few ideas introduced to spur action fall to the way side in the logic department but with a clear mission and end point Prometheus works as a sweeping sci-fi that doesn't require choppy editing or endless explosions to keep us on the edge of our seats. Prometheus isn't too far off from the Alien xenomorphs: born from existing DNA of another creature the movie breaks out as its own beast. And it's wilder than ever.
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In keeping with this week's American Film Market theme, following is a rundown of deals and announcements to hit over the past day.
Notably, Wild Bunch has boarded Nick Cassavetes' Yellow, which had previously encountered some financial woes. With a private American equity partner now in place, the film is set to start shooting again in December. Wild Bunch is handling international sales.
Per Screen:
In a rather poignant twist, Cassavetes' wife, Heather Wahlquist, stars in the film, which could be described as a sort of lighter version of A Woman Under the Influence -- in which Cassavetes' mother, Gena Rowlands, starred for his father, John Cassavetes.
The cast also includes Sienna Miller, Melanie Griffith, Luke Wilson and Ben Foster.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired domestic rights to The River Sorrow, as part of a deal that also saw the company pick up rights for the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, says The Hollywood Reporter.
The Rich Cowan film stars Ray Liotta, Ving Rhames, Christian Slater, Giselle Fraga, Raymond Barry, Sarah Ann Schultz and Melora Walters.
As expected, Chris Rock has beenconfirmed as the lead opposite Julie Delpy in her directorial follow up to 2 Days in Paris. 2 Days in New York is being sold by Rezo Films.
According to Screen, the film now finds Paris heroine Marion in New York with her child and a new guy. Rock plays the new boyfriend, a radio host and journalist whose life will be upended by a two-day visit from Marion's French family.
Also per Screen, WestEnd Films will handle international rights on The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. Justin Timberlake is scoring and supervising music for the film, which stars Zach Braff, Jessica Biel and Chloe Moretz.
Bill Purple directs the story of Henry, whose world is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a tragic accident. In an attempt to overcome his grief, Henry befriends a young homeless girl and helps her accomplish her dream of building a raft to cross the Atlantic to find her long-lost father.
Principal photography starts in April 2011.
Christophe Honore is back with a film starring Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni, Ludivine Sagnier, Louis Garrel, Milos Forman and Paul Schneider. Les Biens-Aimees, which Screen describes as a Jacques Demy-style musical drama, is being sold internationally by Celluloid Dreams.
Lucy Walker's hot doc Countdown to Zero has sold to Paramount Pictures for Japan, says The Hollywood Reporter. The Works International is repping the Lawrence Bender produced film which premiered at Sundance and had a screening in Cannes.
Korea's CJ Entertainment has sold US rights to The Man from Nowhere to Well Go USA, Screen further reports.
IFC Midnight has taken US rights to psychological thriller Choose. SC Films is repping the film internationally. IFC Midnight plans a theatrical release in 2011 for the Marcus Graves genre film Screen says is in the vein of Seven and The Silence of the Lambs.
Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, has picked up US rights to Thai action movie BKO: Bangkok Knockout, adds THR.
The film is directed by Panna Rittkrai and centers on a group of friends who have to fight for their lives with one of their own is kidnapped.
Finally, Deadline reports that Myriad Pictures has acquired offshore rights to the Vivi Friedman-directed comedy The Family Tree. Pic stars Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Selma Blair, Christina Hendricks, Max Thieriot, Jane Seymour, Rachael Leigh Cook and Bow Wow. Davis plays a restless housewife who bumps her head during an illicit encounter with her next-door neighbor and loses her memory. Myriad is shopping at the AFM. IP Advisors is brokering North American rights.
Source: Hollywood Wiretap

The romantic action comedy Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is like nothing — and if you’re a person between the age of approximately 18 to 35 everything — you’ve seen before. British director Edgar Wright’s (Shaun of the Dead Hot Fuzz) adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley graphic novel is so densely laden with pop-culture references it often times feels less like a movie than a mixtape. Those who share the tastes of the film’s 31-year-old writer and 35-year-old director will find the experience to be exhilarating; those who don’t however will likely be at a loss to comprehend what all the fuss is about.
The list of ‘80s and ‘90s video game nods in Pilgrim alone is daunting: Tekken Super Mario Bros. Tetris Zelda and even retro titles like Galaga and Ms. Pac-Man are represented just to name a few. To fit all of it in Wright must practically invent a brand-new kind of filmmaking. Using techniques and iconography culled from the holy fanboy triumvirate of comic books video games and anime/manga and armed with a clearly generous effects budget he splatters the screen with a dazzling array of CGI visual aids as the action unfolds: informational pop-ups supply key details on each character as they are introduced; words like “Boom!” and “Pow!” burst forth when blows are landed during fight sequences; a “Level Up!” graphic indicating increased levels of key character attributes appears after the film’s hero triumphs in battle. Even the old Universal Studios logo has been revamped by Wright rendered in the rudimentary graphics and sound of the old 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System. Call it easter-egg filmmaking.
At the center of this digital maelstrom is Scott Pilgrim a 22-year-old Canadian hipster waif played by 22-year-old Canadian hipster waif Michael Cera. Unemployed and in no great rush to find work he splits his time evenly between jamming with his middling band Sex Bob-Omb (a Super Mario Bros. reference) combing thrift shops for new additions to his near-limitless collection of ironic t-shirts and pining for Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) a beguiling New York City emigre whose signature attribute is her constantly-changing hair color.
After a few abortive encounters Scott finally gets Ramona to reciprocate his affections. Thus begins the quest — or "campaign " as gamers call it — portion of the film as Scott soon discovers that in order to secure Ramona’s hand he must defeat each of her seven evil exes (six boys and one girl) in spontaneous death matches of decreasing novelty. (A few of them could easily have been excised without harming the narrative but that might invite the ire of comic book fans who typically demand nothing less than absolute adherence to the source text.) With a variety of found power-ups and an entirely implausible collection of fancy kung-fu moves he faces off against among others a pompous vegan straight-edge (Brandon Routh) a self-absorbed action star (Chris Evans) a spiteful lesbian (Mae Whitman) and a smarmy record producer (Jason Schwartzman).
I expect Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will polarize audiences and not just because of Wright’s distinctively dizzying directorial style. (Which I thoroughly enjoyed even though it occasionally overdoses on manufactured quirk and is a bit too proud of its cleverness.) The film glosses over Scott and Ramona’s wooing process in its rush to commence with its succession of comic-book battles which grow somewhat tedious toward the end. It’s simply assumed that Ramona would fall for our protagonist as it’s likewise assumed that we already have. But not everyone will embrace Scott’s castrati hipster affect which too often comes across as grating rather than charming. (The movie’s funniest moments come courtesy of Scott’s sassy gay roommate played by Kieran Culkin who is never without a clever barb for his lovelorn pal.) And beneath Cera’s self-effacing sheen exists an unmistakable whiff of pretentiousness that isn’t entirely justified — at least not yet. Far less debatable is the appeal of Winstead whose spunky Ramona appears every bit worth the hassle of fending off seven or more ex-lovers.
God knows what she sees in him.

Top Story: Singer Brown Faces Battery Charges
Bobby Brown was charged with battery Wednesday, after allegedly hitting his wife Whitney Houston on Sunday, The Associated Press reports. A police spokesman told AP Brown, 34, turned himself in after the couple and their attorneys met with police. Houston called police Sunday to report that Brown had struck her on the left side of her face with his open right hand at the couple's home near Alpharetta, Ga., AP reports. Houston, 40, declined comment, but her lawyer, Mark Trigg, said, "She is trying to resolve the matter privately." Brown was in jail in August for violating his probation on a drunken driving charge, and in 2000 he spent 26 days in a Florida jail for violating probation on different charges. Authorities are now investigating whether Brown broke probation in Sunday's incident. Brown is scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing Jan. 7.
Slater's Wife Not Charged
In related news, Christian Slater's wife Ryan Haddon will not face criminal charges for throwing a glass at the actor's head in a Las Vegas hotel room Nov. 10, AP reports. A Nevada court said there's no proof Haddon meant to hurt Slater, who received stitches for a cut behind the ear. "We did not feel we could prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she committed intentional battery," Clark County District Attorney David Roger told AP. "Both the victim and the defendant maintained that it was an accident." Police in Nevada investigate domestic violence cases even if the alleged victim doesn't want to press charges, AP reports.
Seacrest Takes Over Top 40
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will become the new host for the weekly pop radio countdown show American Top 40, replacing veteran broadcaster Casey Kasem, AP reports. Seacrest, 28, will start Jan. 10. Kasem, who has hosted Top 40 since 1970, signed his own long-term agreement with Premiere Radio Networks, where he will continue hosting American Top 20 for adult contemporary stations across the country, AP reports.
Edwards To Get Honorary Oscar
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected acclaimed director/writer/producer Blake Edwards to receive an Honorary Award at this year's Oscar ceremony. Best known for the Pink Panther movies starring Peter Sellers as well as comedies 10 and Victor/Victoria, Edwards also helmed the Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. "For more than 50 years, Edwards has had an extraordinary career writing, directing and producing mainly his own material," Academy President Frank Pierson said in a press release. "And that puts him in a select and very small group of outstanding film makers."
Snoop Dogg's Mom Goes After Rapper Knight
Rapper Snoop Dogg's mother Beverly Green and rapper Delmar "Daz" Dillinger Arnaud's wife Maria Watkins have joined together in filing a slander suit against rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight, AP reports. The defendants claim the song "Tha Row" from the soundtrack of the film Dysfunktional Family contains graphic lyrics saying Knight was sleeping with the plaintiffs. "These plaintiffs are totally innocent victims being tormented as a means to force Daz Dillinger and Snoop Dogg to suffer personal anguish and to take retaliatory action," AP reports the lawsuit reads. "This is the same type of feud that led to the Tupac Shakur and Christopher 'Biggie Small' Wallace's death."
Pirates Rakes in Hefty Rental Booty
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl has broken the one-week record for combined DVD and VHS sales, topping 11 million units sold through to consumers and rental chains, as well as earning $19.5 million during its first five days on rental shelves, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bruce Almighty came in a close second with an estimated $17.1 million in rentals for the past week.
LAPD Veteran Caught Pirating
MPAA's Jack Valenti should be feeling a little better. Los Angeles Police Department captain Julie D. Nelson was arrested Tuesday for allegedly selling pirated and counterfeit DVDs, Variety reports. After more than 100 pirated and counterfeit DVDs were found in her home and car, authorities told Variety, Nelson was arrested on two felonies: failure to disclose the origin of a recording or audiovisual work and possession and sale of a counterfeit trademark or registered mark.
Role Call: Congeniality 2 Gets Director
Director John Pasquin (Joe Somebody) is in negotiations to direct Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality 2. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Bullock will reprise her role as Special Agent Gracie Hart, but no other talent is attached to the Warner Bros. sequel. The 2000 original also starred Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt and Candice Bergen and cleared $100 million at the domestic box office from a budget in the $45 million range.

Holdover hits prevailed this weekend as moviegoers showed little enthusiasm for new arrivals.
Universal's PG-13-rated comedy "Meet the Parents" held on to first place in its second weekend with a still engaging estimated $21.35 million (-25%) at 2,615 theaters (+1 theater; $8,165 per theater). Its cume is approximately $59.4 million.
"Parents'" international release is through DreamWorks Pictures, which co-financed the film and will share equally in its success.
"Parents" had the highest per-theater average for any film playing in wide release last weekend.
"It's fabulous," Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco said Sunday morning. "This is a bonafide hit, a bonafide blockbuster. Because of the mid-week numbers, we knew that the word of mouth was out already. The question just is, 'How big is big?' It will be well over $100 million. We're at $59 million in 10 days."
Rocco pointed out that "Parents," which opened in first place the previous weekend, is the fourth consecutive film opening via Universal in the number one position this year. It follows "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps," "Bring It On" and "The Watcher." Universal is the first studio to achieve such a first place box office roll since Paramount scored in 1989 with "Major League," "Pet Sematary," "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier."
Besides its four-in-a-row streak, Universal has two other first place openings for 2000, to make a total of six - "Erin Brockovich" and "U-571" round out the list.
Directed by Jay Roach (director of both "Austin Powers" hits), "Parents" stars Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller.
Rocco was also delighted with Universal's platform release launch of its critically-acclaimed, R-rated drama "Billy Elliot," the first title from the studio's new Universal Focus banner. "Billy" placed 20th with an estimated $0.22 million at 10 theaters ($22,015 per theater).
"$22,000 per screen is fabulous. When you're only going out with 10 playdates, you have to analyze other films that were of limited release and specialty films. It's certainly better than when 'Il Postino' opened and much better than when 'Ned Devine' opened. 'Ned Devine' was nine playdates and it was much less than this. Quite frankly, 'The Full Monty' opened in six playdates in September of 1997, and their per screen was $29,000. So we're right there. It's extremely encouraging."
"Monty" opened via Fox Searchlight Pictures to $176,585 at 6 theaters ($29,431 per theater) the weekend of Aug. 15-17, 1997. Having opened on Wed., Aug. 13, its five-day cume was $244,375. It went on to gross about $46 million in domestic theaters.
"Devine" opened via Fox Searchlight Pictures to $148,971 at 9 theaters ($16,552 per theater) the weekend of Nov. 20-22, 1998. It went on to gross about $25 million in domestic theaters.
"Postino" opened via Miramax Films to $95,310 at 10 theaters ($9,531 per theater) the weekend of June 16-18, 1995. It went on to gross about $22 million in domestic theaters.
"Billy's" exit polls, Rocco said, were very encouraging: "70% were over 30 (years old). 58% female. 96% in the Top Two boxes (excellent and very good) and 83% definite recommend. This is wonderful. We knew that this picture would play. It's a wonderful film."
The next step in rolling it out, she added, would be, "to bring in a few more markets and maybe expand a little in New York and L.A. for next week. And then the following week, a few more markets, a little more expansion in those that we're opened in, and then by the first or second week of November to be in 400 or 500 playdates. We're being cautious. It's a typical roll-out plan."
Buena Vista/Disney's PG-rated football drama "Remember the Titans" from producer Jerry Bruckheimer retained runner-up honors in its third weekend, still showing good legs with an estimated $13.5 million (-29%) at 2,726 theaters (+25 theaters; $4,958 per theater). Its cume is approximately $64.7 million.
Directed by Boaz Yakin and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, "Titans" stars Denzel Washington.
New Line's R-rated horror thriller "Lost Souls" found the best reception of the weekend's four wide openings, placing third with a spirited estimated $8.4 million at 1,970 theaters ($4,263 per theater).
"We feel pretty good about it," New Line distribution president David Tuckerman said Sunday morning. "I think the ad campaign (done by New Line marketing president Joe Nimziki and his team) was great."
Focusing on the marketplace, which continues to be soft despite the success of "Parents" and "Titans," Tuckerman pointed out, "We're in a malaise. There's no question about it. And I don't think we're going to get out of it until we have a huge opening to jolt the public back into wanting to go to the movies.
"Frankly, I don't think that opening is going to be until 'Little Nicky' (the PG-13-rated Adam Sandler comedy opening very wide via New Line Nov. 10). I think 'Charlie's Angels' is going to open terrific (very wide via Columbia Nov. 3), but I think 'Little Nicky' is going to jolt 'em. Every week in November, there are good films opening that are going to gross."
Directed by Janusz Kaminski, "Souls" stars Winona Ryder and Ben Chaplin.
Paramount's R-rated urban appeal comedy "The Ladies Man" opened in fourth place with a quiet estimated $5.7 million at 2,022 theaters ($2,819 per theater).
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, "Ladies" stars Tim Meadows, Karyn Parsons and Billy Dee Wiliams.
With very good reviews, DreamWorks' R-rated political thriller "The Contender" opened in fifth place to a hopeful estimated $5.53 million at 1,516 theaters ($3,646 per theater).
Written and directed by Rod Lurie, "Contender" stars Gary Goldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater.
"We're pretty pleased with the fact that the movie grossed more in its opening weekend than it cost," DreamWorks distribution executive Don Harris said Sunday morning.
"The movie seemed to play across the board. It played in the South and the Mid-West, which we were pretty happy about. We'll probably add some runs this week. That will get determined tomorrow when we see some more information. The plan all along was to open it at about this level and then add as we go through into the fall."
Warner Bros.' reissue of its R-rated 1973 horror classic "The Exorcist" expanded in its fourth week, sliding two pegs to sixth place with a still-solid $5.4 million at 1,655 theaters (+505 theaters; $3,263 per theater). Its cume is approximately $30.7 million, heading for $40 million in domestic theaters.
Directed by William Friedkin, "Exorcist" stars Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair and Max von Sydow.
Artisan Entertainment's R-rated romantic comedy "Dr. T and the Women" arrived in seventh place to an uneventful estimated $5.2 million at 1,489 theaters ($3,492 per theater).
Directed by Robert Altman, "Dr. T" stars Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern, Shelley Long, Tara Reid, Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler.
Warner Bros. and Franchise Pictures' R-rated Sylvester Stallone action adventure "Get Carter" plunged five rungs in its second week to eighth place with a slow estimated $2.72 million (-59%) at 2,315 theaters (theater count unchanged; $1,173 per theater). Its cume is approximately $11.5 million.
Directed by Stephen Kay, "Carter" stars Sylvester Stallone, Miranda Richardson, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alan Cumming, Mickey Rourke and Michael Caine.
Warner Bros.' PG-13-rated comedy "Best in Show," which went wider in its third week, placed ninth with a very promising estimated $2.35 million at 291 theaters (+238 theaters; $8,060 per theater). Its cume is approximately $4.1 million.
"That's huge," Warner Bros. Distribution president Dan Fellm n said Sunday morning. "The picture has (very good legs). It only dropped 8% in the existing theaters."
Directed by Christopher Guest, "Best" stars Jennifer Coolidge, Christopher Guest and John Michael Higgins.
Rounding out the Top Ten was DreamWorks' R-rated dramatic comedy "Almost Famous," down four notches in its fifth week with a less lively estimated $2.27 million (-39%) at 2,262 theaters (+177 theaters; $1,001 per theater. Its cume is approximately $26.7 million.
Written and directed by Cameron Crowe, "Almost" stars Billy Crudup, Frances McDormand, Kate Hudson, Jason Lee, Patrick Fugit, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Noah Taylor and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
"Famous" is being released internationally by Sony's Columbia Pictures, which co-financed the production and will share equally with DreamWorks in its success.
OTHER OPENINGS This weekend also saw the arrival of Universal's critically-acclaimed, R-rated drama "Billy Elliot," the first title from the studio's new Universal Focus banner.
"Billy" went into limited release, placing 20th and giving Universal something to dance about with a very promising estimated $0.22 million at 10 theaters ($22,015 per theater).
Now playing in six top markets (New York, L.A., Boston, Toronto, Chicago and San Francisco), "Billy" will roll out slowly in the coming weeks as word of mouth builds and its favorable reviews circulate.
(Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco's comments about "Billy" are included in today's Top Ten grosses report.)
Directed by Stephen Daldry, "Billy" stars Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven and Adam Cooper.
SNEAK PREVIEWS Warner Bros. held sneak previews this weekend at about 750 theaters of its PG-13-rated drama "Pay It Forward."
No details were available Sunday morning. Warners' sneaks the previous Saturday night at 350 theaters had been well attended. Those on hand scored it 81% in the Top Two Boxes (excellent and very good). "Pay" opens Friday (Oct. 20) at between 1,500 and 1,800 theaters.
Directed by Mimi Leder, "Pay" stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.
EXPANSIONS On the expansion front, Fine Line's R-rated drama "Dancer in the Dark" went wider in its fourth week, placing 17th with a calm estimated $0.41 million at 123 theaters (+12 theaters; $3,330 per theater). Its cume is approximately $1.6 million.
Written and directed by Lars Von Trier, "Dancer" stars Bjork and Catherine Deneuve.
WEEKEND COMPARISONS Key films -- those grossing more than $500,000 for the weekend -- took in approximately $78.99 million, up about 6.79% from the comparable weekend last year when key films grossed $73.97 million.
This weekend's key film gross was down a marginal 0.20% from this year's previous weekend when key films grossed $79.15 million.
Last year, 20th Century Fox's opening week of "Fight Club" was first with $11.04 million at 1,963 theaters ($5,622 per theater); and Paramount's fourth week of "Double Jeopardy" was second with $10.23 million at 2,936 theaters ($3,485 per theater). The top two films one year ago grossed $21.2 million. This year, the top two films grossed an estimated $34.9 million.
STUDIO MARKET SHARES Based on business by key films (those grossing $500,000 or more), last weekend's top six distributors were:
Universal was first with two films ("Meet the Parents" and "Bring It On"), grossing an estimated $22.99 million or 29.1% of the market.
Buena Vista (Disney and Touchstone) was second with one film ("Remember the Titans"), grossing an estimated $13.5 million or 17.1% of the market.
Warner Bros. was third with four films ("Get Carter," "The Exorcist," "Space Cowboys" and "Best in Show"), grossing an estimated $11.05 million or 14.0% of the market.
DreamWorks was fourth with three films ("The Contender," "Almost Famous" and "What Lies Beneath"), grossing an estimated $8.51 million or 10.8% of the market.
New Line was fifth with one film ("Lost Souls"), grossing an estimated $8.4 million or 10.6% of the market.
Paramount was sixth with one film ("The Ladies Man"), grossing an estimated $5.7 million or 7.2% of the market.
ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES (11)Digimon: The Movie/Fox: Theaters: 1,825 (+2) Gross: $1.82 million (-57%) Average per theater: $998 Cume: $7.2 million
(12)Bring It On/Universal: Theaters: 2,167 (-195) Gross: $1.64 million (-28%) Average per theater: $750 Cume: $64.8 million
(13)Urban Legends: Final Cut/Columbia: Theaters: 2,221 (-318) Gross: $1.32 million (-49%) Average per theater: $595 Cume: $20.3 million
(14)What Lies Beneath/DreamWorks: Theaters: 1,027 (-348) Gross: $0.72 million (-36%) Average per theater: $697 Cume: $153.2 million
(15)Space Cowboys/Warner Bros.: Theaters: 1,002 (-501) Gross: $0.59 million (-34%) Average per theater: $585 Cume: $89.1 million
(16)Nurse Betty/USA Films: Theaters: 1,018 (-455) Gross: $0.5 million (-55%) Average per theater: $495 Cume: $23.7 million
(17)Dancer in the Dark/Fine Line: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(18)The Watcher/Universal: Theaters: 879 (-870) Gross: $0.37 million (-68%) Average per theater: $415 Cume: $28.6 million
(19) Nutty Professor II: The Klumps/Universal: Theaters: 540 (-252) Gross: $0.25 million (-43%) Average per theater: $460 Cume: $121.8 million
(20)BILLY ELLIOT/Universal Focus: (see OTHER OPENINGS above)
(21)Scary Movie/Dimension Films: Theaters: 493 (-268) Gross: $0.21 million (-49%) Average per theater: $435 Cume: $156.0 million
(22)Girlfight/Screen Gems/Sony: Theaters: 253 (0) Gross: $0.19 million (-61%) Average per theater: $765 Cume: $1.2 million
(23)Gladiator/DreamWorks: Theaters: 173 (-76) Gross: $0.11 million (-40%) Average per theater: $645 Cume: $186.6 million
(24)Bamboozled/New Line: Theaters: 17 (0) Gross: $0.1 million (-45%) Average per theater: $6,140 Cume: $0.4 million
(25)Requiem For A Dream/Artisan: Theaters: 2 (0) Gross: $0.047 million (-27%) Average per theater: $23,704 Cume: $0.2 million
(26)Two Family House/Lions Gate: Theaters: 4 (-5) Gross: $0.021 million (-31%) Average per theater: $5,201 Cume: $0.064 million
(27)Tigerland/Fox: Theaters: 5 (0) Gross: $0.016 million (-42%) Average per theater: $3,152 Cume: $0.060 million

Universal's "Meet the Parents" continued to meet box office success, becoming the year's third film to place first for three consecutive weeks.
The PG-13-rated comedy was still laughing all the way to the bank in its third weekend with an estimated $16.32 million (-23%) at 2,619 theaters (+4 theaters; $6,230 per theater). Its cume is approximately $81.0 million, heading for a domestic theatrical gross of $130 million or more.
"Parents'" international release is through DreamWorks Pictures, which co-financed the film and will share equally in its success.
"Parents" had the highest per-theater average for any film playing in wide release last weekend.
"Being number one for the third week in a row is extraordinary," Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco said Sunday morning. "It's only been twice this year that that's happened. The last time was with 'Erin Brockovich' (also from Universal) and the time before was in February with 'The Whole Nine Yards' (from Warner Bros.). Two of the three are ours. Of course, we went through the entire summer without anything being number one for three weeks in a row."
"Brockovich" placed first the weekends of Mar. 17-19, Mar. 24-26 and Mar. 31 - April 2. "Yards" was number one the weekends of Feb. 18-21, Feb. 25-27 and Mar. 3-5.
Asked where "Parents" is heading in domestic theaters, Rocco replied, "I'm sure it will go to $130 million, at least."
The film is playing so well, she explained, because it's "a broad appeal comedy."
Directed by Jay Roach (director of both "Austin Powers" hits), "Parents" stars Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller.
Rocco also pointed with pleasure to Universal's critically-acclaimed, R-rated drama "Billy Elliot," the first title from the studio's new Universal Focus banner. "Billy" expanded gracefully in its second week and tied for 17th place with an estimated $0.5 million at 38 theaters (+28 theaters; $13,240 per theater). Its cume is approximately $0.8 million.
'Billy Elliot' is coming along nicely," Rocco said. "It's a very slow roll out. The new engagements looked spectacular. We had solid increases in the old engagements, where we didn't expand in the marketplace. So we're very happy and will continue to roll out.
"We did another set of exit polls this weekend. Once again, it was (very strong) with 96% in the Top Two Boxes (excellent and very good) and an 80% definite recommend, which only proves that last weekend's exit polls were very solid. The numbers are strong and they're well above average. People's top reason for coming to see it was the story and the reviews."
20th Century Fox's PG-13-rated comedy "Bedazzled" opened with better-than-anticipated energy to a sparkling estimated $13.72 million at 2,568 theaters ($5,344 per theater).
"We feel great about it," Fox distribution president Bruce Snyder said Sunday morning. "The whole market looks like it's come back pretty strong. 'Meet the Parents' won't go away. Even with another comedy coming in, it's real strong. The marketplace is terrific. We're very pleased."
What audience is it attracting? "It looks like everybody," Snyder replied, "because we've got kids coming Saturday afternoon, also. We're off to a good start."
Directed by Harold Ramis, "Bedazzled" stars Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley.
Warner Bros.' PG-13-rated drama "Pay It Forward" kicked off in fourth place with a very encouraging estimated $10.16 million at 2,130 theaters ($4,768 per theater).
"The exits are sensational," Warner Bros. Distribution president Dan Fellman said Sunday morning. "We had 91% in the Top Two Boxes (excellent and very good). We had 80% definite recommend, which is huge. So I think this movie is going to leg it out.
"We seemed to be hurt more than any more last night because of the World Series. We're playing to a much older audience (than other films in the Top Five). In New York, 'Titans' was up 23% (from Friday), 'Bedazzled' was up 7%, 'Parents' up 14%. We were up zero."
Asked if "Forward" will go wider this weekend, Fellman replied, "We're not going to spread. We're going to hang in and see how we hold the second week. Hopefully, the Yankees will finish (the Series) off quickly."
Directed by Mimi Leder, "Pay It Forward" stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.
Buena Vista/Disney's PG-rated football drama "Remember the Titans" from producer Jerry Bruckheimer gave up two yards on the box office gridiron in its fourth weekend, still holding well in fourth place with an estimated $10.0 million (-23%) at 2,801 theaters (+75 theaters; $3,545 per theater). Its cume is approximately $77.4 million.
Directed by Boaz Yakin and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, "Titans" stars Denzel Washington.
Dimension Films' R-rated action adventure "The Legend of Drunken Master" opened with less energy than insiders anticipated, placing fifth with an estimated $3.7 million at 1,342 theaters ($2,757 per theater).
Directed by Lau Ka Leung, it stars Jackie Chan.
DreamWorks' R-rated political thriller "The Contender" fell one ballot to sixth place in its second week with an okay estimated $3.6 million (-33%) at 1,571 theaters (+55 theaters; $2,274 per theater). Its cume is approximately $10.6 million.
Written and directed by Rod Lurie, "Contender" stars Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater.
New Line's R-rated horror thriller "Lost Souls" plunged four pegs to seventh place in its second weekend with a calm estimated $3.25 million (-59%) at 1,970 theaters (theater count unchanged; $1,650 per theater). Its cume is approximately $12.9 million.
Directed by Janusz Kaminski, "Souls" stars Winona Ryder and Ben Chaplin.
Warner Bros.' reissue of its R-rated 1973 horror classic "The Exorcist" dropped two notches to eighth place in its fifth week with a less scary $2.9 million (-45%) at 1,708 theaters (+53 theaters; $1,698 per theater). Its cume is approximately $34.8 million, heading for $40 million or more in domestic theaters.
"Halloween's coming up and that should give us a push," Warners' Fellman reminded. "So we'll get into the $40 millions."
Directed by William Friedkin, "Exorcist" stars Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair and Max von Sydow.
Paramount's R-rated urban appeal comedy "The Ladies Man" slid five rungs to ninth place in its second week with an unloved estimated $2.85 million (-47%) at 2,043 theaters (+21 theaters; $1,395 per theater). Its cume is approximately $9.7 million.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, "Ladies" stars Tim Meadows, Karyn Parsons and Billy Dee Wiliams.
Rounding out the Top Ten was Artisan Entertainment's R-rated romantic comedy "Dr. T and the Women ," down three slots in its second week with an unexciting estimated $2.5 million (-50%) at 1,489 theaters (theater count unchanged; $1,678 per theater). Its cume is approximately $9.1 million.
Directed by Robert Altman, "Dr. T" stars Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern, Shelley Long, Tara Reid, Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler.
OTHER OPENINGS This weekend also saw the arrival of Keystone Entertainment's PG-rated family film "MVP: Most Valuable Primate," placing 22nd with a slow estimated $0.14 million at 185 theaters ($745 per theater).
Directed by Robert Vince, it stars Kevin Zegers and Jamie Renee Smith.
Miramax's R-rated suspense drama "The Yards" opened in New York, L.A. and Chicago, placing 26th with a short estimated $0.052 million at 8 theaters ($6,500 per theater).
Directed by James Gray, it stars Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron and James Caan.
Miramax's G-rated documentary "Calle 54" opened in New York for a one week Oscar qualifying run, placing 27th with a quiet estimated $8,000 at 1 theater.
Directed by Fernando Trueba, it stars Paquito D'Rivera and Tito Puente.
SNEAK PREVIEWS There were no national sneak previews this weekend.
EXPANSIONS On the expansion front, Warner Bros.' PG-13-rated comedy "Best in Show" went wider in its fourth week, placing 11th with a still-promising estimated $2.16 million (+1%) at 497 theatres (+206 theaters; $4,346 per theater). Its cume is approximately $6.8 million.
Directed by Christopher Guest, "Best" stars Jennifer Coolidge, Christopher Guest and John Michael Higgins.
New Line's R-rated Spike Lee satire "Bamboozled" went wider in its third week, placing 18th with a calm estimated $0.43 million at 244 theaters (+227 theaters; $1,742 per theater). Its cume is approximately $0.8 million.
Written and directed by Spike Lee, "Bamboozled" stars Damon Wayans, Savion Glover and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Universal's R-rated drama "Billy Elliot," the first title from the studio's new Universal Focus banner, added theaters in its second week and tied for 16th place with a very encouraging estimated $0.5 million at 38 theaters (+28 theaters; $13,240 per theater). Its cume is approximately $0.8 million.
(Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco's comments about "Billy" are included in today's Top Ten grosses report.)
Directed by Stephen Daldry, "Billy" stars Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven and Adam Cooper.
Fine Line's R-rated drama "Dancer in the Dark" went slightly wider in its fifth week, placing 19th with a dull estimated $0.33 million (-17%) at 126 theaters (+3 theaters; $2,595 per theater). Its cume is approximately $1.8 million.
Written and directed by Lars Von Trier, "Dancer" stars Bjork and Catherine Deneuve.
Artisan Entertainment's controversial unrated drama "Requiem For A Dream" expanded in its third week, placing 25th with a still sexy estimated $0.087 million at 5 theaters (+3 theaters; $17,400 per theater). Its cume is approximately $0.3 million.
Directed by Darren Arnonofsky, "Requiem" stars Jared Leto and Ellen Burstyn.
"We just opened up our second market, L.A., and the numbers were tremendous," Artisan distribution head Steve Rothenberg said Sunday morning. "We got a great review in the L.A. Times. The (Laemmle) Sunset, alone, is going to do about $26,000, which for L.A. is a pretty darn good (gross).
"On Nov. 3 we go into the top 12 cities. We're in New York and L.A. now. Then we go into San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philly, D.C., etc."
WEEKEND COMPARISONS Key films -- those grossing more than $500,000 for the weekend -- took in approximately $76.48 million, up about 9.68% from the comparable weekend last year when key films grossed $69.73 million.
This weekend's key film gross was down a marginal 0.65% from this year's previous weekend when key films grossed $76.98 million.
Last year, Universal's opening week of "The Best Man" was first with $9.03 million at 1,346 theaters ($6,710 per theater); and Paramount's fifth week of "Double Jeopardy" was second with $7.62 million at 3,002 theaters ($2,539 per theater). The top two films one year ago grossed $16.6 million. This year, the top two films grossed an estimated $30.0 million.
STUDIO MARKET SHARES Based on business by key films (those grossing $500,000 or more), last weekend's top six distributors were:
Warner Bros. was first with four films ("Get Carter," "The Exorcist," "Pay It Forward" and "Best in Show"), grossing an estimated $16.3 million or 21.3% of the market.
Universal was second with two films ("Meet the Parents" and "Bring It On"), grossing an estimated $14.86 million or 19.4% of the market.
20th Century Fox was third with two films ("Bedazzled" and "Digimon: The Movie"), grossing an estimated $13.7 million or 19.1% of the market.
Buena Vista (Disney and Touchstone) was fourth with one film ("Remember the Titans"), grossing an estimated $10.0 million or 13.1% of the market.
DreamWorks was fifth with two films ("The Contender" and "Almost Famous"), grossing an estimated $4.93 million or 6.4% of the market.
Miramax (Miramax and Dimension) was sixth with one film ("The Legend of Drunken Master"), grossing an estimated $3.7 million or 4.8% of the market.
ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES (11)Best In Show/Warner Bros.: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(12)Almost Famous/DreamWorks: Theaters: 1,707 (-555) Gross: $1.33 million (-39%) Average per theater: $780 Cume: $28.8 million
(13)Get Carter/Warner Bros.: Theaters: 1,925 (-390) Gross: $1.09 million (-63%) Average per theater: $565 Cume: $13.9 million
(14)Bring It On/Universal: Theaters: 1,736 (-436) Gross: $1.04 million (-36%) Average per theater: $600 Cume: $66.2 million
(15)Digimon: The Movie/Fox: Theaters: 1,655 (-170) Gross: $0.87 million (-55%) Average per theater: $525 Cume: $8.5 million
(16)Billy Elliot/Universal Focus: (see EXPANSIONS above) (tie)
(16)Urban Legends: Final Cut/Columbia: Theaters: 1,081 (-1,140) Gross: $0.5 million (-58%) (tie) Average per theater: $465 Cume: $21.0 million
(18)Bamboozled/New Line: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(19)Dancer in the Dark/Fine Line: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(20)Nurse Betty/USA Films: Theaters: 516 (-502) Gross: $0.2 million (-59%) (tie) Average per theater: $390 Cume: $24.1 million
(20)Nutty Professor II: The Klumps/Universal: Theaters: 421 (-104) Gross: $0.20 million (-31%) (tie) Average per theater: $465 Cume: $122.1 million
(22)MVP: MOST VALUABLE PRIMATE/Keystone Ent.: (see OTHER OPENINGS above)
(23)The Watcher/Universal: Theaters: 351 (-520) Gross: $0.12 million (-70%) Average per theater: $330 Cume: $28.8 million
(24)Girlfight/Screen Gems/Sony: Theaters: 229 (-24) Gross: $0.11 million (-50%) Average per theater: $460 Cume: $1.4 million
(25)Requiem For A Dream/Artisan: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(26)THE YARDS/Miramax: (see OTHER OPENINGS above)
(27)CALLE 54/Miramax: (see OTHER OPENINGS above)

Insiders thought they knew "Witch" movie would top the Halloween weekend chart, but it turned out to be "Meet the Parents" and not the "Blair Witch" sequel.
Universal's PG-13-rated blockbuster comedy "Meet the Parents" was still meeting and greeting moviegoers in first place in its fourth week with a hefty estimated $15.06 million (-6%) at 2,647 theaters (+28 theaters; $5,690 per theater). Its cume is approximately $100.0 million, heading for a domestic theatrical gross $130-150 million.
"Parents'" international release is through DreamWorks Pictures, which co-financed the film and will share equally in its success.
"Parents" had the highest per-theater average for any film playing in wide release last weekend.
"'Meet the Parents' has surprised everybody in the press," Universal distribution president Nikki Rocco said Sunday morning. "All of the estimators swore that 'Blair Witch' was going to be the number one film this weekend -- including myself. I didn't think that we could hold this well. So the truth is a pleasant surprise this weekend!"
Focusing on "Parents'" great legs, Rocco commented, "I don't think anybody thought that we could hold to this number. We were only down 4% last night (Saturday) on the head to head (theaters). That's an incredible accomplishment."
This marks the fourth consecutive weekend that "Parents" has topped the chart. "That hasn't been done since 'Sixth Sense' last year," Rocco pointed out.
Asked where the film is going domestically, she replied cautiously, "Well, who knows? If this finds its way in the marketplace through the holidays, it could be a $150 million film. It could be. I think that $130 million is a given and it could be $150 million. At this point, you don't know."
Directed by Jay Roach (director of both "Austin Powers" hits), "Parents" stars Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller.
Universal is positioned to do very well this holiday season with two high-profile films arriving in theaters. On Nov. 17 it opens Imagine Entertainment's family comedy fantasy "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," directed by Ron Howard, produced by Brian Grazer and starring Jim Carrey. On Dec. 15 it opens the romantic comedy fantasy "The Family Man" from Beacon Communications, directed by Brett Ratner, produced by Marc Abraham, Tony Ludwig, Alan Riche and Howard Rosenman and starring Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni and Don Cheadle.
Focusing on this weekend's business, Rocco also applauded the critically-acclaimed, R-rated drama "Billy Elliot" from the studio's specialized film arm Universal Focus. "Billy," a likely contender for Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, did not add theaters in its third week, but was up sharply nonetheless.
"Billy" placed 16th with an impressive estimated $0.56 million (+14%) at 37 theaters (theater count unchanged; $15,085 per theater). Its cume is approximately $1.6 million.
"As much as I'm excited about 'Meet the Parents,' take a look at 'Billy Elliot,'" Rocco said. "Every theater is up except for where there is a multiple run. Unbelievable! We're head to head (compared to last week because) we didn't add anything.
"It means that the word of mouth is getting around now. People are realizing how very spectacular this movie is. It just takes time for films like this to find their way. Little films need nurturing. That's why we've nurtured it. With the television campaign and the newspaper campaign now, people are realizing that this is a very special film and it becomes a must see."
This Friday (Nov. 3), Rocco noted, "we will be expanding in the markets we're already in. The following weekend (Nov. 10-12) we will be taking (it into) probably the top 100 or 120 markets. So we plan to be somewhere around 120 total playdates next weekend and then the following week we hope to be somewhere between 500 and 550.
"I think it's a great plan, and it gave the film time to find its way. So I'm very excited about it."
Directed by Stephen Daldry, "Billy" stars Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven and Adam Cooper.
Instead of the knock 'em dead $15-20 million first place opening Hollywood handicappers had anticipated, Artisan Entertainment's R-rated "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2" finished second with a still enviable estimated $13.1 million at 3,317 theaters ($3,950 per theater).
The original "Blair Witch," made independently for only about $35,000, was picked up by Artisan and grossed about $140.5 million in domestic theaters. The sequel's price tag reportedly was in the $10-15 million range, well below today's major studio average negative cost of about $51.5 million.
Directed by Joe Berlinger, "Blair Witch 2" stars Kim Director, Jeffrey Donovan, Erica Leerhsen, Tristen Skylar and Stephen Barker-Turner.
"We made the film for under $15 million," Artisan distribution head Steve Rothenberg said Sunday morning. "How many studios can actually say that they grossed their negative cost for the most part over the opening three days? So, clearly, this film is going to be very profitable. We basically earned our negative (cost back) in the first weekend of release."
Asked if industry expectations that "Blair Witch 2" could open to $15-20 million were wildly out of line, Rothenberg replied, "Clearly, it looks like it was. It seems to me, just looking at the tracking over the past three or four months, a lot of the tracking numbers haven't necessarily correlated with the weekend grosses. I can see how some people (might have anticipated a bigger opening for 'Blair Witch 2')."
Did opening over Halloween weekend and having to compete with Saturday night holiday parties hurt the film? "One of the things we did look at was that last year there was another film in the same genre called 'House on Haunted Hill' (from Warner Bros.) that came out Halloween weekend. Last year, in fact, Halloween was on Sunday. And they still did (nearly) $16 million. So we looked at that and it certainly reassured us that with a properly themed movie you could certainly open on Halloween weekend."
Buena Vista/Disney's PG-rated football drama "Remember the Titans" from producer Jerry Bruckheimer continued in third place in its fifth week, holding well with an estimated $8.0 million (-19%) at 2,803 theaters (+2 theaters; $2,855 per theater). Its cume is approximately $87.7 million.
Directed by Boaz Yakin and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, "Titans" stars Denzel Washington.
20th Century Fox's PG-13-rated comedy "Bedazzled" slid two notches to fourth place in its second week with a less glittering estimated $7.7 million (-41%) at 2,570 theaters (+2 theaters; $2,996 per theater). Its cume is approximately $24.0 million.
Directed by Harold Ramis, "Bedazzled" stars Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley.
Warner Bros.' PG-13-rated drama "Pay It Forward" dropped one peg to fifth place in its second weekend with a still hopeful estimated $6.88 million (-29%) at 2,130 theaters (theater count unchanged; $3,228 per theater). Its cume is approximately $19.1 million.
Directed by Mimi Leder, "Pay It Forward" stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.
New Line Cinema's PG-rated family film "The Little Vampire" took only a little bite out of the box office, opening in sixth place to an estimated $5.5 million at 2,009 theaters ($2,738 per theater).
Directed by Uli Edel, "Vampire" stars Jonathan Lipnicki.
"We're thrilled with it," New Line distribution president David Tuckerman said Sunday morning. "And we've got three weeks before there's really a kid's film in the market, which is the 'Rugrats' (Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies' animated sequel 'Rugrats in Paris -- The Movie,' opening Nov. 17 at 2,800 to 3,000 theaters). So we've got three weeks to run."
"Vampire" should be nicely profi able for New Line. Tuckerman confirmed that the studio picked it up very reasonably, adding, "I can't even tell you (how little) it cost. It's too embarrassing!"
Paramount's opening of its R-rated romantic comedy "Lucky Numbers" was an unlucky seventh with an estimated $4.6 million at 2,497 theaters ($1,842 per theater).
Directed by Nora Ephron, "Numbers" stars John Travolta and Lisa Kudrow.
DreamWorks' R-rated political thriller "The Contender" fell two votes to eighth place in its third week with a quiet estimated $2.5 million (-29%) at 1,639 theaters (+68 theaters; $1,514 per theater). Its cume is approximately $14.0 million.
Written and directed by Rod Lurie, "Contender" stars Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater.
Dimension Films' R-rated action adventure "The Legend of Drunken Master" skidded four rungs to ninth place in its second week with a sobering estimated $2.3 million (-40%) at 1,345 theaters (+3 theaters; $1,710 per theater). Its cume is approximately $7.3 million.
Directed by Lau Ka Leung, it stars Jackie Chan.
Rounding out the Top Ten was Warner Bros.' PG-13-rated comedy "Best in Show," up one notch in its fifth week with a still happy estimated $1.78 million (-18%) at 497 theaters (theater count unchanged; $3,581 per theater). Its cume is approximately $9.1 million.
Directed by Christopher Guest, "Best" stars Jennifer Coolidge, Christopher Guest and John Michael Higgins.
OTHER OPENINGS This weekend also saw the arrival of Buena Vista's reissue of its 1993 PG-rated animated family film "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas," placing 22nd with an uneventful estimated $0.15 million at 72 theaters ($2,084 per theater).
Directed by Henry Selick, its voice talents include Danny Elfman,Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara.
Universal Focus' R-rated romantic comedy "Loving Jezebel" opened in 24th place to a calm estimated $0.048 million at 74 theaters ($645 per theater).
Written and directed by Kwyn Bader, it stars Hill Harper and Laurel Hollowman.
Lions Gate's R-rated drama "Once in the Life" arrived in 25th place to a dull estimated $0.034 million at 15 theaters ($2,250 per theater).
"Life" was written and directed by Laurence Fishburne, who also stars in the film.
USA Films' R-rated dark comedy "A Room For Romeo Brass" opened in 26th place to a slow estimated $0.007 million at 3 theaters ($2,304 per theater).
Directed by Shane Meadows, "Romeo" stars Andrew Shim and Ben Marshall.
SNEAK PREVIEWS There were no national sneak previews this weekend.
EXPANSIONS On the expansion front, Miramax's R-rated suspense drama "The Yards" went wider in its second week, placing 19th with a dull estimated $0.31 million at 146 theaters (+138 theaters; $2,123 per theater). Its cume is approximately $0.4 million.
Directed by James Gray, it stars Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron and James Caan.
WEEKEND COMPARISONS Key films -- those grossing more than $500,000 for the weekend -- took in approximately $74.44 million, up about 21.79% from the comparable weekend last year when key films grossed $61.11 million.
This weekend's key film gross was down about 3.29% from this year's previous weekend when key films grossed $76.98 million.
Last year, Warner Bros.' opening week of "House on Haunted Hill" was first with $15.95 million at 2,710 theaters ($5,884 per theater); and Universal's second week of "The Best Man" was second with $6.28 million at 1,348 theaters ($4,660 per theater). The top two films one year ago grossed $22.2 million. This year, the top two films grossed an estimated $28.2 million.
STUDIO MARKET SHARES Based on business by key films (those grossing $500,000 or more), last weekend's top six distributors were:
Universal was first with two films ("Meet the Parents" and "Billy Elliot"), grossing an estimated $15.62 million or 21.0% of the market.
Artisan Entertainment was second with one film ("Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2"), grossing an estimated $13.1 million or 19.2% of the market.
Warner Bros. was third with three films ("The Exorcist," "Pay It Forward" and "Best in Show"), grossing an estimated $10.22 million or 13.7% of the market.
Buena Vista (Disney and Touchstone) was fourth with one film ("Remember the Titans"), grossing an estimated $8.0 million or 10.8% of the market.
20th Century Fox was fifth with one film ("Bedazzled"), grossing an estimated $7.7 million or 10.3% of the market.
New Line was sixth with two films ("The Little Vampire" and "Lost Souls"), grossing an estimated $7.0 million or 9.4% of the market.
ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES (11)The Exorcist/Warner Bros.: Theaters: 1,401 (-307) Gross: $1.56 million (-46%) Average per theater: $1,113 Cume: $37.2 million
(12)Ladies Man/Paramount: Theaters: 1,823 (-220) Gross: $1.53 million (-46%) Average per theater: $837 Cume: $11.9 million
(13)Lost Souls/New Line: Theaters: 1,708 (-262) Gross: $1.5 million (-54%) Average per theater: $878 Cume: $15.3 million
(14)Dr. T &amp; the Women/Artisan Ent.: Theaters: 1,204 (-285) Gross: $1.2 million (-48%) Average per theater: $997 Cume: $11.0 million
(15)Almost Famous/DreamWorks: Theaters: 707 (-1,000) Gross: $0.68 million (-45%) Average per theater: $967 Cume: $29.8 million
(16)Billy Elliot/Universal Focus: Theaters: 37 (0) Gross: $0.56 million (+14%) Average per theater: $15,085 Cume: $1.6 million
(17)Bring It On/Universal: Theaters: 861 (-890) Gross: $0.37 million (-62%) Average per theater: $430 Cume: $66.6 million
(18)Bamboozled/New Line: Theaters: 243 (-1) Gross: $0.33 million (-43%) Average per theater: $1,337 Cume: $1.5 million
(19)The Yards/Miramax: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(20)Digimon: The Movie/Fox: Theaters: 968 (-681) Gross: $0.32 million (-65%) Average per theater: $330 Cume: $9.0 million
(21)Nutty Professor II: The Klumps/Universal: Theaters: 348 (-97) Gross: $0.18 million (-26%) Average per theater: $505 Cume: $122.4 million
(22)TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS/ Buena Vista (reissue): (see OTHER OPENINGS above)
(23)The Watcher/Universal: Theaters: 157 (-209) Gross: $0.075 million (-41%) Average per theater: $480 Cume: $29.0 million
(24)LOVING JEZEBEL/Universal Focus: (see OTHER OPENINGS above)
(25)ONCE IN THE LIFE/Lions Gate: (see OTHER OPENINGS above)
(26)A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS/USA Films (see OTHER OPENINGS above)

Moviegoers and "Parents" should meet again in first place given the gloomy expectations for this weekend's new releases.
While most top level studio marketing and distribution executives were in Orlando this week for ShowEast, the annual convention of exhibitors and distributors, the handful of Hollywood handicappers left minding the store see the holdovers "Meet the Parents" and "Remember the Titans" as the films most likely to perform well.
Universal's PG-13-rated comedy "Meet the Parents," which opened to a sizzling $28.6 million last week, is a safe bet to hold on to the top spot. If it falls 25%, it will still do about $21.5 million. Even a 30% drop would give it a $20 million second weekend.
"It's kind of crystal-ballish, but based on what's out there, 'Meet the Parents' could very well be number one again," one insider volunteered while on the run between ShowEast receptions.
"Parents'" broad playability is clearly working in its favor, with younger moviegoers drawn by Ben Stiller and adults attracted by Robert De Niro.
Directed by Jay Roach, director of "Austin Powers" and its blockbuster sequel, "Parents" stars De Niro and Stiller.
Buena Vista/Disney's PG-rated football theme drama "Remember the Titans," which expanded last weekend and placed second with $19.2 million, should continue as the box office runner-up.
Although "Titans" was off only 8% last weekend, its drop was cushioned by adding 1,865 new runs. Its second weekend decline was about 20% in its original theaters. "Titans" should have good legs. If it slides by only another 20% or so, it should still tackle $15-16 million.
Directed by Boaz Yakin and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman, "Titans" stars Denzel Washington.
Watch for a close race for third place between New Line's opening (at 1,970 theaters) of its R-rated horror thriller "Lost Souls," Artisan Entertainment's kick off (at 1,489 theaters) of its R-rated romantic comedy "Dr. T and the Women," and Paramount's launch (at 2,022 theaters) of its R-rated urban appeal comedy "The Ladies Man."
All three new titles are likely to wind up in the unexciting $7.5-10 million range. When the box office dust settles, they'll round out the Top Five.
Directed by Janusz Kaminski, "Souls" stars Winona Ryder and Ben Chaplin.
Directed by Robert Altman, "Dr. T" stars Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern, Shelley Long, Tara Reid, Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, "Ladies" stars Tim Meadows, Karyn Parsons and Billy Dee Wiliams.
The weekend's other wide opening, DreamWorks' R-rated political thriller "The Contender," could just miss the Top Five, despite good reviews.
Moviegoers' votes for "Contender," which is running at 1,516 theaters, could add up to $4.5-$5.5 million. But don't write it off yet. If the public likes "Contender" as much as critics have, good word of mouth could help it find its audience in the weeks ahead.
Written and directed by Rod Lurie, "Contender" stars Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater.
Filling out lower rungs: "The Exorcist," "Get Carter," "Almost Famous" and "Urban Legends."
This weekend will also see Universal's opening in limited release of its critically-acclaimed, R-rated drama "Billy Elliot," the first title from the studio's new Universal Focus banner.
"Billy" will kick off at 10 theaters in six top markets (New York, L.A., Boston, Toronto, Chicago and San Francisco). Universal plans a slow roll out to enable word of mouth to build and favorable reviews to circulate.
Directed by Stephen Daldry, "Billy" stars Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Bell, Jamie Draven and Adam Cooper.
Sony Pictures Classics' unrated comedy "Just Looking" opens exclusive engagements in New York and L.A.
Directed by Jason Alexander, "Looking" stars Gretchen Mol and Patti Lu Pone.